Abe urges TEPCO to decommission 2 more Fukushima reactors

The utility had been on track to decommission the plant's Nos. 1 to 4 reactors. Abe instructed the company to include Nos. 5 and 6 units in the plan as well.

The premier told reporters about his request after visiting the nuclear plant that was devastated by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Tokyo Electric President Naomi Hirose told Abe the company will decide within the year on how to deal with the Nos. 5 and 6 reactors, according to Abe.

At the plant, Abe inspected ongoing efforts to contain the leaks of radioactive water accumulating on the premises amid global concerns about the problem.

Abe also instructed TEPCO to make it a priority to address the toxic water problem, while stressing he is responsible for handling the issue and that the government will play a major role in the clean-up.